CHAP. XV - THE WORSHIP OF BOOKS

Summary

The Hindoos have deified their shastrŭs, which, on different occasions, they worship with the same ceremonies as an idol, anointing the book with perfumes, and adorning it with garlands.

At the reading of any part of the védŭs, the Chŭndēē, and other works, the book to be read is always addressed as an idol. At such times the worshipper thus prays to the book: ‘Oh! book! thou art the goddess of learning, bestow learning upon me.’

When an individual employs a bramhŭn to recite to his family and neighbours the Mŭhabharŭtŭ, ·Ramayŭnŭ, Shrēē-bhagŭvŭtŭ, or any other pooranŭ, the worship of the work recited is performed on the first and last days at considerable length, many offerings being presented: each day's recital is also preceded by a short service paid to the book.

At the festival in honour of the goddess Sŭrŭswŭtēē any one of the shastrŭs is adopted and worshipped, joined with the pen and inkstand.

The followers of Vishnoo, and especially the mendicant voiragēēs, pay a still greater reverence than the regular Hindoos to the books they esteem sacred. These books relate to the amours of Krishnŭ, or to the mendicants Choitŭnyŭ and Nityanŭndŭ.